Term 2 - Week 6 (24th May, 2024)

From The Principal

Dear Families, 

Doing the ‘little things’, well – With it’s roots in the Mercy tradition, our school lives the values of hospitality, integrity, compassion and excellence. Doing and saying little things, like greeting someone, saying ‘please’, ‘thank you’ or ‘excuse me’, would be showing all of these values, at once. 

Pope Francis has decreed that the Catholic Church's first World Children's Day will occur this coming weekend. The event focus will take place in Rome on 25-26 May, but Pope Francis has called on Catholics around the globe to celebrate the day in their own diocese. His letter is addressed directly to children. In this letter he speaks of prayer but he also talks about how caring for one another and everyone in the world, starts with the ‘little things’. He writes: 

'This starts with little things, like saying hello to others, asking permission, begging pardon, and saying thank you. Our world will change if we all begin with these little things, without being ashamed to take small steps, one at a time,' Pope Francis said. 

Next week, our school celebrates ‘Kindness Week’. We do this in Week 7 of each term. Talk to your child about how being kind is not about grand gestures, it starts with the ‘little things’ that we do every day to show respect and care for one another. It means using manners, but it also includes making sure everyone is included and respected. 

Children being kind and doing the ‘little things’ well, starts with their parents and teachers expecting this of them and modeling it for them. They hear us when we speak kindly to and about others. Expect a high standard of manners from your child and you’re starting them well on their way towards becoming a kind and caring member of the larger community.  

First World Children's Day, 2024 | Francis (vatican.va) 

Doing the work together – This week, I have been talking to children about how they are to report things that are not going well so that we can support them. As parents, we have all become frustrated when our children come home to tell us something that has happened at school that they have seemingly done little about to resolve themselves. Our children say things like ‘the teacher doesn’t help’, or ‘I’ll get into more trouble if I tell’. As a parent, our first emotional response is to sympathise with our child.  

In sympathising with them, we can fall into the trap of getting upset with the situation too. When this happens, we want to contact the child’s teacher and to talk with or in some cases, tell them what they need to do. In this approach, our children now have us doing the work for them.  

Empathising, on the other hand, is a different approach that helps your child grow and learn how to navigate these things. This is harder for children and it’s the same reason why they will try to get you to sympathise with them rather than do the work themselves. When we empathise, we show care and understanding of the situation and then try to promote strategies like (for example): 

• ‘Did you tell the other person to stop doing that? How did you do this?’ 
• ‘Did you see the teacher on playground duty about this? Did you tell your own teacher about it?’ 

When our children tell us that they have not practiced these strategies, we should model the strategies for them. Show them how to tell someone to stop and how to go and tell a teacher about the things that have concerned them.  

If you’re having these conversations with your children, in partnership with your teacher, the following are proactive steps: 

• A short two or three sentence email to your child’s teacher outlining the problem and the conversation you have had with your child regarding what they should do. Believe us when we tell you that we teach the same things at school. This should be done quickly to help teachers to address the situation immediately.  
• Avoid speaking negatively of the other child and saying things like ‘just stay away from them’. This other child is like your child. Someone loves them and they are learning too. 
• (Linked to the previous point) do not take things into your own hands and speak to the child doing the wrong thing. These are children and they do not have a relationship with you like they do with their teachers. This scares children and can lead to other processes. This also applies to the child’s parents. 
• In addressing the situation, don’t tell your child’s teacher what they should do. This is not promoting a positive relationship that supports the partnership you need with your child’s teacher. There are always two sides to a story. Listen to each other with the aim of understanding to proactively support your child (and your child only). 

Thank you for your continued partnership with us in teaching your child these valuable skills that are going to set them up for success in the future. 

God bless, 

Mr Tyronne Maher

From The APRE

RE Curriculum 
Like with all other Curriculum areas, we strive ourselves on engaging teaching and learning activities that are relevant for all year levels. This term in Religious Education (RE) many classes have been learning about the church and sacraments. 

Prep- Being a good person! 
Students have used the examples of Jesus to determine what makes a good person and how they can be their best selves. They listened to the stories of the Good Samaritan and the 10 Leapers to determine good characteristics and discuss the golden rule. Leading up to Mother’s Day, students found out about Mary, the Mother of Jesus. 

Year 1- How can Sacraments help us to understand God? 
Students have been exploring the Sacraments of Eucharist and Baptism and the symbols, actions and words associated with these sacraments. They have learned about living in community – school and parish and discussed the question: Why are sacraments important to a community of believers? Year 1 visited the Church and Fr Hermi to investigate symbols and rituals of Baptism! 

Year 2- How can we create a world of love and peace? 
Students have discussed and recognised the sacredness of God and all creation including human life. Reflecting on their own experiences, they suggest ways to pursue peace and justice out of respect for human life and all creation.  Students investigated that choices can harm an individual and their loving relationships with God, others and all creation.  They explained ways in which believers seek to heal these relationships through reconciliation.  

Year 2/3 and 3C- What can Sacraments mean for me?  
Students located information about the cultural contexts in which the Gospels were written and the text types used by the human authors of New Testament texts. They explained ways in which the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) welcome and strengthen members of the Church community. They described significant people, events and features of a parish and diocese, past and present, including the collaboration of clergy, religious and laity. Students visited the Church to look at different Christian symbols and discuss various rituals with Fr Hermi. 

Year 4- How is the New Testament a library for me? 
Students continued to  develop their understanding of God’s word in scripture as they considered the big question: How is the New Testament a Library for me? They used the bible referencing system to explore books and text types in the New Testament. They made connections between stories and their modern life and created a modern interpretation of a parable. 

Year 5- How can the Holy Spirit rock my world? 
Students explored the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. They used Biblical tools to find appropriate Scripture with titles and images of the Holy Spirit. Students made connections between the titles and images of the Holy Spirit and the action of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. They described the key parts of the Catholic Rite of Confirmation, identifying words, symbols, actions and significance in the lives of believers. Reflecting on the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, students discussed how these guide, give strength and are visible signs of God’s active love and work in the lives of believers today.  

Year 6- How does the Australian Church continue the New Law of the Church today? 
Students identified and described many ways in which faith is lived out in the lives of believers past and present, including Catholics in a developing Australian nation (c. 1900 CE to present). They explained the significance of Jesus' New Law for the way believers live their faith and examine the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. They demonstrated an understanding of the term 'communion of saints'.  

Church Visit

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 Mrs Katie Horne

Prayer of the Week

Student Protection Contacts

School Student Protection Contacts (SSPC) 
Our school has five School Student Protection Contacts. Mr Maher, Mrs Jackman, Mrs Horne, Mrs Barrett and Ms Campbell. These are nominated staff members to whom students, staff and parents can raise concerns related to student safety. Although School Student Protection Contacts receive additional training, all school staff receive regular training and information to enable them to respond to student protection concerns. 

From The Middle Leader/Curriculum Co-ordinator

Exploring Our World: The HaSS Curriculum at Our School 

🌏 What is HaSS? Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) is an exciting area of learning that helps students understand the world around them. It covers topics like history, geography, economics, and civics. 

📚 What Do Students Learn? From Prep to Year 6, our students explore fascinating themes: 

• Inquiry and Skills: They develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills. 
• Knowledge and Understanding: They learn about different cultures, historical events, and how societies function. 

🌟 Why Is HaSS Important? HaSS helps students become informed global citizens. It encourages curiosity, empathy, and respect for diverse perspectives. 

🔍 Where Can I Find More? For detailed content descriptions, check out the Australian Curriculum: HaSS or the Queensland Curriculum Authority's HaSS Curriculum. 

Mrs Charlie Barrett

From the Learning Support Teacher

NDIS explained 

The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with disability to gain greater independence, access to new skills and an improved quality of life. The NDIS also connects anyone with disability to services in their community. 

 ECEI – Early Childhood Early Intervention 

The early childhood approach has been developed by NDIS to support children younger than 9 and their families. This approach helps children younger than 6 with developmental delay or children younger than 9 with disability to access the supports they need.   

Children younger than 6 do not need a diagnosis to get support through the early childhood approach where there are concerns about their development. 

The approach supports best practice in early childhood intervention because it helps the child and their family to build their capacity, enabling each child to grow and learn. 

How to apply 

Early childhood partners are available to help parents to get the support they need for their children through the early childhood approach.   

Early Childhood partner – Toowoomba - UnitingCare Communities 

• Office Address: 61 Bellevue Street, Toowoomba 4350 QLD 
• Phone: 1800 543 354 
• Email : UnitingCare.EarlyChildhood@ndis.gov.au 

What if my child is older than 9? 
The NDIS also supports children who are older than 9 through local area coordinator partners.  Local area coordinator partners work with families to understand their child’s needs, determine if NDIS is required and connect families to supports in the local area. 

Local Area Coordinator (LAC) partner - Toowoomba 

• Office Address:  632 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba 4350 QLD 
• Phone: 1300 999 636 
• Email: PITC.LAC.Toowoomba@ndis.gov.au 

Mrs Genny McNair

Prep Enrolment

The Arts

CHOIR:

Congratulations to the Sacred Heart Choir and their involvement in the Toowoomba Eisteddfod over last weekend. The students sang “Go Make a Difference” in the hymn section and “Purple People Eater” and “Whisper” in the Choral B Section. 

Unfortunately, we did not place in either section this year, but I had lovely comments from the community about how beautiful our tone was and how much we had improved from last year. 

The choirs next performance will be at the Toowoomba SING OUT on Thursday 6th June. The details are below. 

8.20am              Parents drop students at the Empire Theatre 
8.50am              Welcome to all Participants 
9.00am              Massed Choir rehearsal 
10.10am            Individual Choir Presentations 
11.00am            Morning Tea 
11.20am            Continuation of Individual Choir Presentations 
12.15pm            Lunch 
1.00pm              Massed Choir Rehearsal 
2.15pm          Parents please collect student from the grassed area at Empire Theatre Twilight Concert                                                   5.20pm – 7.30pm

5.20pm              Parents deliver choristers to the Empire Theatre (meet at grassed area) 
5.45pm              Concert commences 
                     No interval, just a 5 minute pause whilst the massed choir assembles 
7.30pm              Concert concludes (students to be collected from grass area)

Your child will need to wear full school winter uniform, as stated by the school rules. Students will not be able to leave prior to the approximated finish times, unless organised with Miss Runciman in advance. 

There is no cost for the students to perform at this event. Parents will need to purchase tickets from the Empire Theatre Box Office if they would like to watch their child perform in the evening concert.  Ticket prices are as follows – Adults $20.00, Children under 15 years $12.00.  Link for ticket sales: https://empiretheatre.com.au/whats-on/sing-out Please complete approval for this event in the Parent Portal. 

Lunchtime Concert: Wednesday, 5th June 1.00-1.40pm:
We will be holding a relaxed lunchtime Concert in the hall on this day. Miss Joy will discuss with her students who will be participating. The school band will also be performing at this event. 

Instrumental Program:
There are still spots available for this year. If you would like to enrol your child, please fill in the online form below or contact me directly via email. Cherie.Runciman@twb.catholic.edu.au 

Ms Cherie Runciman

Library News

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is an Australia-wide group reading and literacy event, where schools, libraries and other institutions gather school-age children together to read the same chosen picture book at the same time. Students at Sacred Heart have been a part of this initiative since 2010 and enjoyed the 2024 event, which took place on May 22 and the Book ‘Bowerbird Blues’. 

 Mrs Jan Watkins

Sport

Darling Downs Trials 
Last week, MaCalla and Anita represented Sacred Heart and the Western Zone at the Darling Downs Cross Country. Although neither of them have made it through to the next round, they have shown great sportsmanship and persistence. Well done Girls, we are so proud of you. 

Next week Ben Stinson will be playing football (soccer) all day in an attempt to get into the Darling Downs team. Ben will be representing Toowoomba (white team) in the competition. We wish you all the best Ben! 

Athletics Carnival 
Last week the draft program and general details for the Athletics Carnival were sent out via Sentral. If you have not opened it up, please do so. Next Friday (31st May), we will be running the High Jump and 800m events (9-13years). At Athletics Carnival all students will participate in long jump, shot put, discus, sprints and relays. We are looking forwards to seeing families there supporting Kattie, Kelly and Byrne! 

 Mrs Katie Horne and Miss Elley Pinnuck

Year 6 Winter Meal Deal Fundraiser

This term on Wednesday of Week 9 (12/6/24), Year 6 is organising a meal deal consisting of a hot milo/chocolate (with marshmallow) and noodles for $5 at lunch time.  

Gluten free options for both items are available. 

Funds raised assist with the costs of the Grad Mag publication and end of year decorations for Graduation.  

Please order on Flexischools by the afternoon of Monday 10th June.

Classroom Awards

2024 Fee Schedule

Term 2 School Fees have been charged to family accounts and sent via email and were due on 3 May 2024.    The School accepts payment as a Bank Transfer, Direct Debit or Centrepay.  To set up an automatic payment please complete the Direct Debit Form below.  If you need assistance please contact the School Office.

The Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop hours:
Mondays (THIS INCLUDES PUPIL FREE DAYS) & Thursdays 8.00am - 10:30am.  If a Public Holiday falls on a Uniform Shop day, the Uniform Shop will be closed.

PLEASE NOTE: WE CAN NO LONGER ACCEPT DONATIONS OF PRE-LOVED ITEMS
Thank you for your understanding in this regard.

*We accept EFTPOS only - NO CASH OR LAYBY*  

SCHOOL BAGS: School Bags are COMPULSORY to the WHOLE SCHOOL.
Do you have the correct bag?  These are available from the Uniform Shop for $39.50 

SCHOOL PULLOVERS - This is a compulsory uniform item for Years 1 to 6.

SPRAY JACKETS are compulsory for students in Years 1-6 only.
PREP STUDENTS DO NOT REQUIRE SPRAY JACKETS!

FREE BUTTONS available for boys’ red shirt, girls’ red and white blouse & Prep red polo.

Thank you for your continued support of the school’s uniform shop.

 Mrs Fay Rhodes
Uniform Shop Convenor

Sacred Heart Parish

Tennis Coaching 2024